23/12/2017 Match of the Day

That is wonderful. An absolute

belter!

Hello.

A Christmas feast of

football coming up -

ten matches featuring every

Premier League team.

We've got some crackers,

only the odd turkey,

and two bauble-looking pundits.

Merry Christmas to Alan

Shearer and Danny Murphy.

We begin with the runaway

leaders Manchester City,

who hosted Bournemouth.

City were on a remarkable run of 16

consecutive victories that started

with a late winner at Bournemouth,

back in August.

The commentator at the Etihad

Stadium was Steve Bower.

Manchester City have not put a foot

wrong since the 97th minute when a

buyer he was Sterling. Part of a 26

match unbeaten run in the Premier

League. David Silva returns, having

missed two games due to personal

reasons and Captain Vincent Kompany

is back in defence. Sergio Aguero

aims for his 100th goal at the

Etihad Stadium. Eddie Howe makes six

changes for Bournemouth. That

includes a return for their top

scorer, Cal Wilson, and league debut

indefensible 20-year-old Jack

Simpson. -- Cal Wilson. Some feel it

is Mission impossible for Pep

Guardiola. You feel Bournemouth need

an awful lot to go their way for

Manchester City to lose today. Now

it is back with Gosling. Ibe is

onside. Well called back to junior

Stanislas. He could not find the

target. I think on the stretch he

has injured himself but it was a

good opportunity will stop the last

English manager to win a league game

at the Etihad Stadium was Harry

Redknapp in May, 2010, with Spurs.

Looking for Aguero. What a first

touch! Not much room to manoeuvre,

Sergio Aguero. Just got underneath

the second touch. What a touch from

De Bruyne! Sterling had four players

around him. My goodness me! What a

pass from Kevin De Bruyne. Silva's

Ross blocked. Manchester City

corner. He is developing quite a

repertoire this season for passes,

Kevin De Bruyne. That was another

one for the collection. The corner

by Silber. The header and

Fernandinho never really troubling

bed which. -- Silva. Only Sterling

waiting in the penalty area. Headed

away by Fraser. That was Otamendi

and a very decent try. He is having

quite a goal-scoring season, four

Premier League goals already. A nice

height for the goalkeeper. 16 league

wins in a robe equalled his own

Barcelona record in the top five

leagues in Europe. -- in a row. I am

not sure Cook really appreciated

that pass. Fernandinho, Aguero!

Another goal for Sergio Aguero. The

latest landmark in this Manchester

City season. That opportunity all

came from that from Bournemouth.

Trying to overplay at the back.

Delph nicked it in. Cook played

Aguero on. He stooped and did the

rest. Goal number 183 in a

Manchester City shirt in his 14th

this season. After a well-organised

26 minutes from Bournemouth they

were the victims of their own

downfall. That ball by Fraser was

good. That was lackadaisical from

Walker. Too casual from the league

leaders. Kompany leading Nat for

Edison. Kyle Walker with a very

sloppy ball for Cal Wilson. He was

disappointed he could not do more

with that. Bournemouth are working

extremely hard out of possession.

That has been for a large part of

this game thus far. The touch by

Aguero and Sterling! That is more

like it. Aguero, who scored the

first, sets up the second and Raheem

Sterling has now scored for the

fifth game running against

Bournemouth. Seven goals against

Eddie Howe's team. Manchester City

have a two goal cushion. What about

this touch from Aguero! Manchester

City's top scorer gets his 16th goal

this season already. Calmly putting

it past the keeper. Sterling did not

have to break pays. 16 Premier games

without a win, having four goals in

that time. It was all was going to

be their biggest asked of all. --

always going.

Gundogan with the run. Aguero!

Simple as that. Two for Aguero.

100th Premier League goals in 2017

for his team. Another three points.

17 league wins in a row for the

league leaders. Wonderful delivery!

And Aguero did the rest. Bernardo

Silva had time to assess the

situation and he put it on a plate

for Aguero will stop -- Aguero.

Sterling into his stride. Danilo to

his left. Here is the Brazilian. His

first Manchester City goal to make

it four. Danilo in on the act. The

goals for the Premier League season

and Bournemouth, who have already

been beaten 5-1 and 4-0 here at that

Etta had in the Premier League have

conceded four again. -- Etihad.

Beaten at the near post calmly. The

former Real Madrid player. The

frightening thing about it is they

have not needed to be anywhere near

their frightening best.

It was

difficult. They play ten players

behind the ball. The striker was not

marking Fernandinho.

We came with a

game plan to frustrate them and plug

the gaps and fill the holes we

needed to. We did that well. We made

a couple of bad decisions put

ourselves under pressure and they

have the players to hurt you when

you do that.

Two goals for Sergio

Aguero. 100 in the stadium. What

more can be said about him?

The

numbers are there. Making the two

goals. It is a huge performance.

He

looks very happy despite newspaper

reports suggesting otherwise.

Yes. I

understand completely the players

are now substituted. They are sad.

That is normal. They are

professionals. They tried to do the

best for the team.

I have played

with him for seven years. I know how

important a player he is. It is not

nice for other defenders to play

against him, I guess.

We will go

straight to Aguero. Manchester City

the first team to score 100 goals in

a calendar year. Aguero scored a lot

of those.

They were magnificent.

Once they got the first goal, it was

a matter of our money. No surprise

this guy was at the heart of it. The

work rate has definitely improved.

That is what PEP wants his players

to do, to close down. This is the

first goal. You cannot give him the

amount of time and space they did

give him. Once the ball goes in it

will only be one outcome. Eddie Howe

has two except if he wants his team

to play bubble, which he does, they

will make mistakes trying to do

that. No reason why the ball can't

go along there from the keeper.

Having said that, Ibe should do

better. He is weak. He is weak

again. Does not put the challenge

for the bat leads to the first goal.

That is just under half an hour. --

does not put the challenge in and

that leads to the first goal. He has

five yards and a great touch into

Sterling. Silva with the cross here

will stop three again in the box --

free again in the box, Aguero. The

number of chances they create and

the number of goals they score. I

just have a hunch if one guy will

have to make way for people coming

in, whether it is Sanchez in January

or others at the end of the season,

I have a feeling it might be Aguero.

It is clear that Pep Guardiola is

not overly happy with things. As the

Bournemouth were three points from

their last seven games.

They have

injuries. They have become a bit

predictable, so me. Eddie Howe might

want to look at different way to

stop playing. They cannot score

enough goals. They were ten less

goals than this time last season.

One big story is Bristol City's

defeat

of Manchester United

in the quarterfinals

of the Carabao Cup.

Three days on, Jose Mourinho's

side had a tough-looking

league match at Leicester,

and watching was Steve Wilson.

Jamie Vardy's first top-flight goal

was against Manchester United.

Lindelof replacing Valencia. As for

the table, they can only keep

winning and hope. Manchester United

from right to left against the

Leicester City side who have taken

17 points in nine games.

Back into Lingard. Mata to his left

and a good save by Schmeichel.

Lingard picked up his seventh of the

season at the Hawthorns last time

out. Pacing around the technical

area, Josay Mouinho. That is

something he didn't do at the wall

thorns. -- Jose Mourinho. That is

something he did not do at the

Hawthorns.

Space for Matic. He can hit them.

They played their way out

beautifully. Now Riyad Mahrez, being

chased by Smalling. Mahrez, great

awareness. Mahdi is there. Jamie

Vardy, what a goal. Oh, what a goal

for Leicester City! That is

outstanding! And Jamie Vardy fires

at home for Leicester City. Its 50th

Premier League goal, the first

Leicester City player to reach that

tally in the Premier League. This is

a glorious goal, brilliant awareness

from Riyad Mahrez. His brilliance

was in not touching the ball. And

then Jamie Vardy eating De Gea. 1-0,

Leicester City. Looks less than

impressed, Mr Mourinho. Matic.

It's deflected to Lindegaard, a

touch to Mata. It's the next Mac are

really clever finish from Mata. It

just goes to show you don't need to

break a neck, you just need to find

it, and Mata has a really well

worked goal, this. Mata, right at

the heart of it. A nice touch off

from Lindegaard and precision from

Mata. To level it up.

Mahrez running at Young. He's done

well, Christian Fuchs, blocked on

the line by Lindelof, cleared by

Pogba.

Smalling, it's ricocheted to Mahrez.

Loads of blue shirts forward. Mahrez

keeps inside, blocked by Matic. Now

Pogba, for Manchester United, into

Lindegaard. Suddenly alarm bells

ringing for Leicester. Play on, says

the referee. United only too happy

to do so. Lukaku, brilliant ball,

the flag stays down and Martial Mrs.

Jon Moss is coming back in to give

Marc Albrighton the yellow card and

rightly so. But Anthony Martial, a

great chance. What about this at the

other end, from Riyad Mahrez.

Flashed it across the face of goal.

Demarai Gray must have been so

close. A good block by Lindelof to

deny Christian Fuchs. A brilliant

passage of play at both ends.

Was he deliberately blocked by Harry

Maguire? The referee, Jon Moss, says

yes. Yeah, it may just be a decoy.

Kasper Schmeichel isn't sure, and

that's the point. It is Mata.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant,

Mata. He knew it was in from the

moment it left his boot. A great

free kick. I'm not sure why

Schmeichel was trying to save it

with his right hand, rather than his

left, but it's a very good free

kick. Leicester City one, Manchester

United two.

Looks like a head, not a hand, to

me. Ashley Young. Very slight bit of

contact by Amartey has brought him

down. It's a yellow card for the

Leicester City substitute. Just

caught his heel.

Matic has nipped in for Manchester

United. He is Lukaku, with

Lindegaard ahead of him. Jesse

Lingard here can show late finish

it. Oh, he's hit the post! Still

might be on. Rashford wants it.

Lingard could and really should have

put Manchester United in the clear.

A good ball game from Lukaku.

Lindegaard should score. Did the

hard bit. And then hit the post. Now

Rashford. Look at that. Amartey

could be in trouble here. Amartey is

going to get sent off here. It's his

second yellow card and Daniel

Amartey is off. It's a crazy

challenge to make when you are on a

yellow card. Well, Daniel Amartey,

only on the pitch for 17 minutes.

Got two yellow cards. Well dealt

with by Lindelof.

A lovely flick into Paul Pogba,

there's Rashford away to his left

hand side. That's a glorious ball by

Pogba. Fantastic delivery. Rashford,

Court Bryce Michael, did you get the

ball? He got the ball. -- caught by

Schmeichel. Did he get the ball? He

got the ball. That's a magnificent

ball from Pogba. I think he's just,

just got his fingertips to the ball,

Schmeichel. Now, can Leicester sneak

themselves one? It would be an

unlikely point can begin the chances

that Manchester United have missed,

but most of all given the fact they

are down to ten men. Aim towards

Maguire. They are claiming Smalling

was climbing on the back of Harry

Maguire, but they would, wouldn't

they? Jon Moss has a really good

view, looking straight at it. Well,

you've got to say Smalling has given

the referee you look there, he knows

that could have been given. Okazaki,

onto it.

Chilwell did very well to get across

him at all, De Gea underneath his

crossbar. Chris Smalling is feeling

something. Manchester United have

made all their substitute chins.

Smalling is going to have to play

on. Smalling on the pitch for the

moment, -- off the pitch for the

moment, ten against ten until he

comes on. That's a good ball.

Maguire! He's done it. He has done

it, Harry Maguire! It's a fantastic

ball in from Marc Albrighton and

Harry Maguire makes it 2-2. Look at

this ball in from Albrighton. That

is absolutely wicked. Over the top

of the injured Smalling and into the

net, from Harry Maguire.

We had good

opportunities tonight. It was a good

game against a good team, with

quality until the end of the game,

we believe in us and it's a good

feeling for the future.

Half an hour

after the second goal is a game to

finish four, five, 6-1. I'm saying

we didn't just missed big chances in

front of goal but almost so moments

of -- but also moments of easy

position to have and at the last

minute the players without the

capacity to analyse the game, to see

that Smalling was in trouble and off

the pitch. I think very mature team

in both hands.

Strong words there

but it was a startling finish to a

cracking game of football, actually,

and I suppose in many ways he's

right, Manchester United, it should

have been out of Leicester's reach.

It should have been but it would be

remiss not to give Leicester huge

credit for the spirit they showed

with ten and it was the game of the

day for me in many ways. But

Mourinho is right, they should have

killed them off many times. You can

call it a lack of professionalism, a

bit of bad luck. This is probably

the easiest of the lot. Like the

Rosenthal chance years and years

ago, he will be disappointed with

that, he's been playing really well

recently. A simple ball from Pogba,

Rashford gets caught in two Mainz,

goes a bit early. Schmeichel does

well, when you see on the replay.

Just get some fingertips to the

ball. But these situations are

crucial, when you are trying to kill

a team off. They overplayed at

times. Why is he not slipping it in

at the near post there, Mkhitaryan?

This, for me, last minute of the

game, keep the ball. I don't know

why Matic is trying to play another

through ball. He's offside. Give it

to Rashford and see the game off.

The Smalling thing they were talking

about, they've made all the

substitutions. He was trying to get

back in the best he can but they

have enough players in there, they

don't defend it very well. If you

watch the top of the screen he gets

into a decent position but he's not

in the best condition to jump and

assess the ball, a super ball in

from Albrighton and Maguire gets

used just rewards for a good

performance. United, with that draw

and with the inability to kill

Leicester off have basically thrown

away, if they had any chance.

13

points behind Manchester City,

that's the largest lead at Christmas

in top-flight history, remarkable.

It's as good as over, Gary.

Manchester City have been

remarkable, two defeats in 2017 in

the Premier League, so they are not

losing five in the second half of

the season, so it is as good as

over.

West Ham versus Newcastle

was seemingly a match between teams

going in opposite directions.

West Ham climbed out

of the relegation places last

weekend, while Newcastle's dismal

run had seen them take just a single

point from nine games.

Commentary from Simon Brotherton.

Seven points from nine, with three

clean sheets has reinvigorated West

Ham's season and Arnautovic has

scored the winner against Chelsea

and another in last week's success

against his former club, Stoke.

Newcastle's search for a winning

formula isn't helped by suspension

and injury today, with apple Benitez

making five changes as he reshuffles

his back. Among them, the first

Premier League appearance for

midfielder Henri Saivet, who comes

in from the cold.

The ball given away and now a chance

for West Ham to break here. A chance

for Arnautovic. It's 1-0. Newcastle

caused all of their own problems

there, giving the ball away in

midfield and Arnautovic suddenly

can't stop talking. Here, it's Henri

Saivet making his first appearance

of the season, his first in the

Premier League under Rafa Benitez,

making the worst possible start. But

Arnautovic had plenty to do. But did

it so well. West Ham one, Newcastle

nil. And having waited so long for

an opportunity, Henri Saivet cannot

quite believe what's happened there.

Now this is Atsu. Newcastle

responding pretty well here. The

referee eventually playing an

advantage. He blew his whistle, then

the shot came in. What has happened?

Has he brought the game back? Yes,

he has. Newcastle had a shooting

opportunity, high boot from Winston

Reid. A decent position here,

offensively. Whipped in by Henri

Saivet. Oh, he's made up for that

error of a few minutes ago!

Perfectly. Henri Saivet, for

Newcastle. Well, he's been the focal

point in terms of both goals,

really, having given the ball away

for West Ham's opener, and he has

certainly made up for it now. Well,

it didn't take his team long to

respond, a perfect response, having

fallen behind. David Moyes will be

so frustrated, his team having

started well.

Now Matt Ritchie. The ball whipped

in. Gayle snatched the frame of the

goal and West Ham survived, a lucky

escape for the Hammers. Gayle almost

putting Newcastle ahead.

This is Dwight Gayle, tussling with

Ogbonna. Finds Ritchie. They hit the

post, hit the woodwork, for the

second time in the match. Richard

smacking the post after Dwight Gayle

had hit the bar earlier in the half.

Yedlin at full speed here, turning

away from Masuaku. Now it's with

Matt Ritchie. Newcastle looking

dangerous. It's just wide from

Dwight Gayle. That's three times now

in this first half that Newcastle

might have scored a second goal.

Took it in his stride. Couldn't find

the top corner.

That was very nicely done by the

Aritz International. Into Atsu,

lovely play. A great chance, superb

finish, Mohamed Diame. Doesn't

overdo the celebrations against his

old team. But that's a big, big goal

for Newcastle United. And on the

evidence of what we've seen so far,

it's no less than they deserve this

afternoon. This was very well worked

indeed. It was a fine pass from

Ciaran Clark. The nutmeg from

Christian Atsu rolling it in, and

then guided into the top corner by

Diame. Well crafted. Well taken

goal.

Could that their chance here?

Antonio challenged, right on the

edge of the penalty area. What has

the referee given? He has given a

penalty. Was it inside the box or

out? Here is the challenge again.

The challenge looked as if it might

have been just outside the penalty

area. There is the challenge right

on the line. Ayew, who last scored

in aid 2-2 away draw at Crystal

Palace a couple of months ago, has

the chance to bring it back to 2-2

here. He has missed it. The good

save by Elliott to keep it out. New

Cazorla still ahead. That is not the

Newcastle are still ahead. The

keeper saves from the penalty kick.

West Ham United laugh a golden

opportunity to get back level. Close

enough for the keeper to get close

to it. It has been a great couple of

weeks with seven points from nine.

Can they push on and find some

consistency? They need to find a way

back to level terms.

We all know what they will be aiming

at here. The ponytail head no doubt

of Andy Carroll. He almost paid for

it. There was a keystone cops

moment. Suddenly Newcastle can

break. Yedlin is well forward.

Joselu and a chance. It is three.

West Ham United undone as the played

flu from one end of the field to the

other. There is the mistake. Still

Newcastle with half the length of

the pitch to cover, he'd just rolls

at home. Joselu plays it back in.

Onto the head of Arnautovic. It

means now that Newcastle lead West

Ham by 3-1. Ayew looking for a way

in. Creswell on the overlap. Good

play.

That delivery by Creswell. Elliott

did not get anywhere near it. The

goal for West Ham. A little over 20

minutes remaining now and it is a

big 20 minutes at the London

Stadium. Andy Carroll got up well,

denied by Elliott. Into the roof of

the net by Ayew. He missed a penalty

earlier in our full he gives hope

for West Ham here. Last chance for

West Ham, surely. Here it comes.

Lascelles got his head to it and led

-- Yedlin got it away. They could

not stop it going for a corner. Four

and a half minutes of added time.

They failed when he turned still

arguing about it. It has to be a

good delivery from West Ham. --

Benitez still arguing. There goes

the final whistle. First win in two

months for Newcastle United.

Three

massive points. The game was full of

errors. I think there's was an error

with the first goal. We had errors

all game. We could not pull it

together. We kept at it having

puffing but never produced anything

of note.

For us, it was the feeling

that we could win. The character was

there. The effort of every single

player has been really good. It will

be a long race. It will be difficult

until the end. At least we can

compete and win games.

Happy

Christmas, Alan. Benitez is

generally known for his organisation

and pragmatism.

It was a very

positive team selection from

Benitez, playing Gayle, Ritchie,

Joselu, de me. It worked. It was a

very positive performance. -- Diame.

Keep your eye on Yedlin on the

right-hand side. A brilliant run.

Whips the ball in. Two in the box.

It should be a goal. Very similar

here. Look at the players driving

into the box to help them get up

there with Gayle. Another one hits

the woodwork. Very unlucky not to

see it go into the back of the net.

It happened time and again in the

game. One of the options he has two

pull it back, he can pick one of

four players. It continued in the

second half. They might have had

some luck with the penalty minutes

but they deserved it. Brilliant.

Players into the box, giving players

things to do. A brilliant finish.

2-1 up and defending a corner. Look

at everyone driving forward look at

the hunger of the Newcastle players

getting into goal-scoring positions.

Driving forward, as I said. Atsu

gets the goal his performance

deserved. He was excellent. A

thoroughly deserved win for

Newcastle.

One point from 27 from

Newcastle. Newcastle aren't

generally patient.

He definitely has

the vast majority of the backing

from the Newcastle fans. Newcastle

with its current owner is a very

difficult club to manage. He wanted

to bring players in. I know he had

Hernandez and Abraham ready to come

in. Those deals were appalled at the

last minute for the lack is why he

had to spend 5 million on Joselu to

bring in another body. If you look

at the money he has made Newcastle

in the 19 months he has been there,

you has made £12 million. He has

done a very good job. It is always

going to be a struggle. If new

owners are to take over, they want

him as well.

As David Moyes said the

day of errors at both ends of the

pitch.

Burnley against Tottenham

was the meeting of sixth

against seventh, and the home side

were a point better off

after an impressive run.

They'd conceded just three goals

in their last nine games.

Guy Mowbray was at an

expectant Turf Moor.

Today, Ben Mee has a new defensive

partner. Ta Kosky is injured and

Along comes into play. -- Tarkowski.

It has been a vintage year for the

Spurs Number 10. Dele Alli, nine

appearances without a goal. On the

ball again. Got past Arfield but he

ran it to close. When sliding in to

Charlie Taylor. Could be in trouble

again very early. Michael Oliver

already has the yellow card out of

his pocket. That should calm a few

nerves. A reckless one, that is the

shore. It is a hard yellow but not

enough to be Reid. -- that is

Forshaw. The manager is in residence

at Turf Moor. Plenty of players to

keep his eyes on. Eriksen, collected

by Dele Alli. He goes down and

Michael Oliver gives a penalty. That

is the first one that Spurs have

been awarded in the Premier League

all season. What a dramatic start at

Turf Moor. He flicks out the right

leg. Nowhere near the ball. Dele

Alli, he fell into the leg rather

than the leg tripping him. It falls

into the soft category. Harry Kane

will take it and Pope will try to

save it. Harry Kane schools. Very

confidently put away. That will

settle Spurs down. Once Harry Kane

was getting ready to strike, there

seemed to be little doubt about what

would happen next. Just having a

quiet word with Mike Dean,

presumably about the award of a

penalty. He is astonished by it and

very unhappy about it. Kane through

to Dele Alli. Trying to get onto

that one. He has got onto that one

and only just missed the target. So

lively in the box, Harry Kane.

Perhaps Bernie will feel the flag

should have gone up against Harry

Kane. -- Burnley. A lovely bit of

skill to start with by Scott

Arfield. Sanchez in his way as he

broke towards the box. Going to

break out of the pack in a moment.

Into the middle of the pack. Still

in the middle of the box. Dele Alli

leads the Spurs charge. It is the

charge with Sissoko leading it. Gets

another chance and Pope keeps him

out twice. He is one that Gareth

Southgate might be looking at today.

A great run by Sissoko straight down

the middle. Puts himself against the

outstretched leg of the Burnley

keeper. Gudmundsson and a good

challenge by Davies. Defour is doing

the pressing for Burnley. Aurier has

lost it. Took a risk. Trying to find

would again and Lloris holds onto

the ball. Aureus says thank you all

ran to his colleagues. He lost

possession. -- Aurier. The ball

across to Chris Woods had to be that

much better for him to get onto it.

Through to Aurier. Through on goal.

Son has blazed it. Goodness me. He

is normally so sure footed in front

of goal. All that work from Aurier

for nothing. He could have gone on

buts, unselfishly, he knew where Son

was. He is normally unflappable in

those situations. Harry Kane is

onside. Harry Kane slots it in with

ease. That should do it for Spurs.

Midway through the second half and

Spurs doubled their lead with that

man again. He is easily onside. He

has a little look. He even had time

for the glance before assessing when

Nick Pope was going to be at the

time he puts it past him. Made the

finished look simple. The result

should be pretty straightforward.

The Spurs away win. They have not

had one of those since September.

Ben Davies has continued with his

forward run. Making sure he cannot

get onto the ball. He is still at a

profit from Harry Kane prospect

challenge. A hat-trick chance for

Harry Kane. Another trouble for

Harry Kane. A record that is

remarkable in 2017. Seven hat-tricks

this year. He has now scored ten for

Tottenham in total. A lovely first

touch. Gudmundsson lost it because

of Harry Kane's tackle. The touch

and swerve away from Along. The

un-airing finish past Nick Pope. It

is Burnley 0- three Harry Kane.

Congratulations to the players.

Happy for the three points. The

feeling after the game was good.

I

thought they were on the front foot

is a unit, defensively, I mean. It

made it tough for us. There was a

big start with the penalty. We

ground our way back into it at

half-time that they started well and

scored a second and it was really

tough.

They were the better side. I

know Alan Shearer is in the studio

today. You equalled his record of

Premier League goals in a calendar

year.

Have you sights on all his

records? Still a long way to go. It

is good to get a hat-trick. Drawing

level with one game left. We'll see

what happens on Tuesday. Long-term,

see if I can do better than this

year.

I think Gary Lineker is

willing you want to get it.

I saw

him the other night at the sports

personality of the year. He said it

would be lovely if I beat the

record.

To write I would! To write!

Alan,

are you all right?

He'll do it.

It's

a remarkable record and his

goal-scoring machine.

He is obsessed

with scoring goals and the hunger to

get on the ball, to put the ball in

the back of the net, full of

confidence, and everything about him

class. Never did I ever think he was

going to miss that opportunity 111,

so comfortable. He doesn't looked in

danger, as I said. You just know

it's going to end up in the back of

the net. He actually starts to move

there, winds the ball back -- wins

the ball back. He is brilliant. The

first touch to take it into his

path. Finish with the left foot, as

I said, he wins the ball back there,

he gets up with the touch to put it

into his path and into the side

netting. I remember saying a couple

of years ago, doing an FA Cup tie at

White Hart Lane, but then he was

worth £90 million. Now, he's more

than double that.

I'm sure he's --

he would be.

Not that they are

selling him.

What about this for a

start here, with one goal behind

Lionel Messi, one game to go, and

don't forget of course that all

those other players on that list

have got no further fixtures this

year, so he could be the highest

goal-scorer in all the European

leagues. Incredible. I jumped ahead

of myself, I was going to talk about

Dele Alli. The first penalty at an

element of doubt about that, he had

a rash tackle early in the game.

I

don't agree with it, he's a young

lad. This looks worse than it is.

He's gone to block it more than

tackle the guy. Yellow card at

worse, even that is a bit harsh for

me. The other lad has gone in tough

and nobody has been hurt. It's much

ado about nothing. This is a

definite penalty, which ever way you

look at it. There is contact, silly

defending from the lad.

Definite

penalty?

Definite for me. I don't

think there's any doubt about that

one. We can talk about exaggerating

the fall and stuff like that but

there's definite contact there. The

tackling thing is always going to

play that way, plays on the edge, I

quite like that about him, but you

can't jump on every little thing and

say, because that was nothing for

me. Sean Dyche called it an orange,

I don't agree with that. Sorry to

mention orange.

You like orange?

LAUGHTER

Burnley... Orange... I know, I'm

feeling my way gradually. It's a

long story! Burnley have a few

injuries and they've been doing so

well, it's the one thing that will

set them back.

They need their best

team. Today, Heaton missing, Ward,

Tarkowski, Chris Wood went off

early, hard against Tottenham side

but what a season they've had so

far.

I'm peeling. I fell asleep in

the sun. It's a long story!

Arsenal played Liverpool

in a fixture that's produced loads

of goals in recent times.

Normally the Friday fixture would go

towards the end of the programme,

but this match was so good it

deserved promotion.

Watching was Martin Fisher.

Thrills and spills usually

guaranteed when these sides come

face-to-face, fourth spot in the

table up for grabs tonight and

probably that surprise they'll be

fighting foreign till the end of the

season. It's the same Arsenal side

that beat Newcastle. Petr Cech makes

his 100th appearance for the club,

aiming to record his 200th clean

sheet in the Premier League. Well,

good luck with that. Jurgen Klopp

might not like talking publicly

about his Fab four but they are all

in from the off tonight. Between

them they are responsible for 26 of

Liverpool's last 31 goals. One point

and one place separating these teams

in the Premier League table as the

campaign reaches its halfway stage.

Mane, in behind Bellerin. Robertson

with a chance to whip it in. Great

ball. They are queueing up back post

and Cech makes his first save of the

night. A firm header from Roberto

Firmino, quality ball in from

Robertson. Cech covers his near post

superbly well. Here, Liverpool, with

Coutinho. A slow start, just

beginning to bubble up. Coutinho,

back post again. Liverpool in a gain

of this time Cech not needed, as

Firmino heads wide. Well, they are

just seeing there is a weakness in

that area of the pitch for Arsenal.

A young 20-year-old Ainsley

Maitland-Niles just caught out again

from the left wing centre.

Milner looking to release...

Coutinho bursting into the box.

Coutinho heads home. They are at it

again! Coutinho's 11th of the

season. And this goal has been

coming. Salah against Koscielny,

look at the rumba Roth Coutinho. --

look at the run of Coutinho. Arsenal

nil, Liverpool one. The Familia

worried frown etched on the features

of Arsene Wenger. Coutinho again

finding space, it's all too easy for

him at the moment. Picked up again

and again by those wearing orange.

What a drive, just over the bar.

Three opportunities now for him.

That looks in, it just rows and rows

and cleared the crossbar. Despite

their dominance, Liverpool only have

a 1-0 lead. Slick from Koscielny,

Salah is in, what a chance, what a

save. Mane, over the bar. It looks

so easy for Salah, then Sadio Mane

could not thump it home despite the

acrobatics.

It's all a little pedestrian this,

from Arsenal. Liverpool have nicked

it. Only Firmino ahead of Salah. One

turn, one pass, and Salah is in on

goal gave. Can he get the shot away?

He can. It's 2-0 Liverpool. The

deflection just enough to take it

away from Petr Cech, but Salah will

claim it, his 21st of the campaign.

That might be that, as far as

Arsenal are concerned. All too easy.

Salah took his time. Two defenders

in front of him, the nick of Mustafi

was significant but nobody inside

the Emirates can deny Liverpool they

deserve a two goal cushion. Ten

goals in his last nine Premier

League games. The Premier League's

top scorer, Mohamed Salah.

Lacazette finding a way through,

Bellerin crosses. Sanchez is there.

Arsenal are on the scoresheet! No

response from the bench because

there's still an awful long way to

go. But Sanchez took advantage of

Gomez, who perhaps switched off.

Renewed optimism. There's more

positivity around the Emirates.

Granit Xhaka looks right, Iwobi and

Bellerin ahead of him. What a

strike! What I go! Granit Xhaka,

when he scores, they tend to be

rockets and this one certainly falls

into that category! Two goals in two

minutes from Arsenal and the game is

turned on its head. Wow, what a

strike. It's moving and wobbling,

although it looks straight and

Mignolet tries to push it over the

bar. Couldn't get sufficient

strength in his arm to do it. And

now Liverpool making errors and now

Arsenal seizing upon them. Flowing

through the gears themselves, Ozil,

Lacazette. Oeser living, it's 3-2

Arsenal! Was an incredible

turnaround -- Ozil is in, it's 3-2

Arsenal. What an incredible

turnaround. Liverpool look so

shocked. Jurgen Klopp enraged.

Sloppy from Liverpool. And how

Arsenal have punished them. Suddenly

they are finding gaps, suddenly they

are moving so well, and it's a

delicious finish from Mesut Ozil.

Soul Mignolet coming out, had to

take it. There were boos all around

the Emirates some seven minutes ago

when Mohamed Salah made it 2-0

Liverpool and now 3-2 Arsenal. Four

minutes and 45 seconds between the

three Arsenal goals. It looks so

easy now for Arsenal.

Bellerin on the overlap, Lacazette

waits in the centre. There he is.

Liverpool defender got his toe to it

first. Arsenal now going through the

gears. A great run in from Bellerin.

Klavan gets behind the Liverpool. --

gets it behind, for Liverpool.

Firmino and Cech can't keep it out.

It with too much power and Liverpool

are level and Roberto Firmino, who

went close in the first half finds

the net this time. I thought for a

moment Cech had enough to turn it

over the bar, but not so. It's the

pace of the drive and it's through

the right hand of Cech and it's 3-3.

The goals keep on coming at the

Emirates. A lovely ball from

Bellerin, beautifully brought out of

the sky by Iwobi.

That was high by Mane. Under the

control of Sanchez, Ozil, Bellerin.

Saved by Mignolet. That will make

the Liverpool goalkeeper feel a

little better after failing to deal

with Granit Xhaka's strike. It might

have been going over the bar anyway.

We didn't give up, you know, and the

spirit of the team is absolutely

fantastic. You have to acknowledge

that and I am quite proud of the

players and the way they responded

shows a strong mentality, and that's

good ingredients as well. It shows

as well we're not by coincidence the

team who won most points from losing

positions, they have the capacity to

respond. What you want now is that

the team realise that in big games

we have to start from the first

minute and could have scored four,

five, six goals, which is

unbelievable, actually. Didn't do

that, it's true. Then of course

three goals should be enough for a

game, even two should be enough. It

happens when you watch it again

because they were not in the game,

they had ten minutes, I don't know

how long it was and they scored all

the goals and now we go back to the

good things, usually 2-0 up, 3-2

down and out of the game, then we

reacted well and were back in the

game and then we were organised and

secure again, felt secure again, but

I don't know how long ago,... Why

pub in four minutes, 45 seconds.

Wow.

Indeed, you never know what

you'll get with Liverpool, so good

for so long and they make mistakes.

What's wrong with them, apart from

playing an Orange, which you don't

like!

They should have had the game

won, I want to so show you the

basics in the middle of the midfield

and why you can't let that happen.

They've let Granit Xhaka, a central

midfielder, run off and what happens

is when you let players run off you

this creates a four versus four. You

don't want a four for a less you are

chasing the game in the last ten

minutes because you are dragged all

over the place. Watch Mane, switches

off, doesn't go with his runner.

Bellerin in oceans, and Gomez just

switched off seconds, Sanchez gets

in. You are trying to win the game,

do it control. Coutinho, gesture,

not good enough for a midfielder.

Look at the spaces. Watch the top of

your screen as we pause it, Mane is

reacting rather than being

proactive. It's two versus one. Ozil

and Sanchez on Gomez because Salah

has switched off. This is when you

are winning the game, Arsenal are

good side when they attack. Yes,

their leave open spaces but you have

to keep the lead, you've done the

hard work. Two versus one at the

bottom of your screen, he shoots

from 30 yards. I don't know what is

doing there, he needs to get a block

and as for Mignolet, we said enough

over recent months. Liverpool lead a

new goalkeeper. Mane and Coutinho,

2-2, they maybe could get the win,

but no, don't play forward, playing

their own half. There's a six versus

will see in a second. Away at

Arsenal, six Arsenal, six versus six

Ryan right a basketball game. Milner

and Can get dragged apart, no one is

communicating and Can decides not to

go with his runner. Now I remember

being a kid, you go with your runner

until someone tells you they'll take

him. You need someone next EU

pulling you win alongside, keeping

the distances close and we in, week

out, although we see brilliant

Liverpool, we see Liverpool who do

not defend.

I'm all for players

taking responsibility to pull

players in and around each other but

shouldn't that also come from a

manager? Especially away from home,

when you're 2-0 up to try to protect

the lead, take one of the full off

affront and get someone in front to

protect that.

100%.

If the four is

playing so brilliantly why take them

off?

I played in a team with

Newcastle in 1996 and it was an

absolute nightmare at times for the

centre halves, you could hear them

screaming at us, get back, get back,

instead of trying. Great for fans.

I

agree but that is why top four is...

The best.

Who cares about centre

halves? The Stoke manager faced

questions ahead of their match with

West Brom. Marc Scott saw this one.

Mark Hughes does not believe he will

face the sack if Stoke fell to win

today for the Heath thinks there is

no better man to manage the boxers

than him. Kurt Zouma is able to

return. -- the Potters. Alan Pardew

makes three changes after scoring

his first West Bromwich goal from

the bench last weekend and there is

a start for Gareth Barry.

Robson-Kanu comes in. West Bromwich

have had the better of recent

meetings between these two macro

with the Baggies winning four and

drawing two of the last six

encounters. It rakes for Peter

Crouch. But the goal for Stoke. -- a

beak goal for Stoke. Choupo-Moting's

effort headed down. Joe Allen with

the intelligent run and then the

composed finish. Stoke 1-0 West

Brom. Alan Pardew pulled the plug on

Albion's says party and he did not

think it would be appropriate given

their position. Zouma, straight to

Barry. Poked in. Breaks for Rondon.

What a sitter! The flag did not go

up against Rondon. He is certainly

offside. Comes off the Stoke are

when it drops to him. It would have

counted. Rondon with a wild finish.

It has been four months since they

last saw their team win in their

League Cup against Accrington on the

22nd of August. Click by Rondon.

Breaks for McClain. -- flick. He

gets the crossing as well. Rondon...

Brilliant from Butland. Great work

from McClain. Zouma's header dropped

to Rondon. A nicely struck effort.

He made a few decent stops in his

time. I'm sure he would have given

Butland the thumbs up for his

reaction. Up against Barry.

Throughput Choupo-Moting. A chance

and Choupo-Moting scores. -- through

Ford Choupo-Moting. Stoke have

breathing space. Joe Allen with the

vision and the execution. Coolness

personified from Choupo-Moting to

wriggle his way around Foster. Then

blasted between the two macro West

from players who have tracked back.

Ho Ho Ho if you are a Stoke fan.

West Brom have lost all eight of the

Premier League games this season

they have conceded first in. Brunt,

out towards Rondon. Onside. He gets

West Brom back into it. Six minutes

into the second half. Solomon Rondon

gives the Baggies hope. Brunt, over

the top. Here is onside. Kept his

cool well, to slip it past Butland

as the ball dropped. A poor goal for

Stoke to concede. Rondon was onto

it. Two points from four games so

far since he took over. His team

have looked a different side since

the interval. Here is how

Robson-Kanu, who goes down. The

referee is not interested. It will

break. In towards Robson-Kanu and

gathered by Butland. Robson-Kanu

challenged by Wimmer. Did not look a

great deal in it Stoke were on the

receiving end of a soft penalty last

weekend. Mark Hughes has suggested

his job security is strengthened by

the fact the Stoke owner and

everyone connected with the club are

fully informed and come to the games

rather than in a far-off land

watching on TV. Dangerous. Butland

smothers. Was that the chance for

West Brom to snatch a point at the

death. Fisted in. It did not reach

Rondon and it did not fall to

Rodriguez. In comes the corner. On

to Rondon and away. Stoke living

dangerously. In it came from rant.

Headed forwards by Evans. Rondon

going in on Butland. Could have

easily rolled in but rolled away.

Foster in the centre circle.

Shawcross and Denise it. Not fully

dealt with. -- under it.

Choupo-Moting and based to settle

it. Ramadan and support. Ramadan

wraps it up. It is a much-needed win

for Mark Hughes and Stoke City. West

Brom had so many men forwards. As

soon as Diouf managed to work it on

to Choupo-Moting they were in

trouble. He was unselfish. Ramadan

was never going to miss. His first

ever goal in the Premier League and

he becomes Stoke's has ever Premier

League goal-scorer as well. More

importantly he can rest easy that

the three points are in the bag.

Clearly a little bit of relief

because we needed a result today. I

thought we were good value for the

first of I thought we were excellent

in terms of attacking play and

passing and movement. -- first half.

The players must find it hard to

believe they have not got anything

out of the game for that they gave

everything and dominated long

periods of the game. Got the goal

which we deserved and pushed and

pushed and could not get the

equaliser.

I have had fantastic

support from the owners. They have

been reassuring me, the staff and

the players they are fully behind

what we are doing. That support is

vital. Maybe people from outside the

Stoke area and people with

affiliation to Stoke, maybe they

were jumping on the bandwagon.

A

tough start for Alan Pardew. For

Stoke, Choupo-Moting caught your

eye.

Mark Hughes needed someone to

stand up and be counted. They needed

the extra quality. They have

struggled at home, struggled to

score goals and have lacked

confidence for the he demanded the

ball and did things well today. He

caused West Bromwich Albion a lot of

problems, as she said. This is a

really nice finish. Not something we

have seen too much from. It settled

down the crowd. Really impressed

with his energy and fitness at the

end of the game, bursting past

people. I was a team player. I would

have slotted that across.

You are a

midfield player.

A big win for Mark

Hughes today.

They deserved it.

The latest club to make a managerial

change were Swansea,

who sacked Paul Clement this week.

They were bottom of the table

going into a crucial game

against a much improved Crystal

Palace.

Last season this fixture finished

5-4, so we sent John Roder back

to the Liberty Stadium to see

if he could make it happen again.

Certainly not the second stanza is

that Leon Brittan wanted to be

thrust into the role of caretaker

manager. -- the circumstances. They

are hoping he will inspire Swansea

to their fourth Premier League win

of the season. Wilfried Bony is

injured. Palace, unbeaten in seven,

make one enforced change. Christian

Benteke is suspended. Leon Brittan

will surely be happy with how the

early exchanges have gone. That long

ball forward. Fernandez, a little

short. Andros Townsend. A terrific

save from Fabianski. That may well

have been heading into the top

corner. Delivered by Cabaye.

Loftus-Cheek. Away by Fernandez.

Swansea looking to break quickly.

Schlupp in no way. If he can work it

in the middle, here is Abraham. He

is onside. Down in the penalty area.

The referee had an excellent view of

that and decided no spot kick. That

looks more like an appeal in hope

rather than expectation. Ruben

Loftus-Cheek. Swansea have had the

lion's share of possession. Crystal

Palace have had the more clear-cut

opportunities so far. Swansea

holding firm at the back. Narsingh

stopped in his tracks by James

Tomkins. A bit of end to end action.

Loftus-Cheek goes down and a penalty

kick. Crystal Palace with the chance

to get the opening goal of the

afternoon. Ruben Loftus-Cheek fouled

by Fernandez. And Crystal Palace

awarded a penalty. No doubt about

the identity of the penalty taker

this week for Crystal Palace. He

schools. Fabianski went one way. Had

he stood still he would have been

able to make the save. After getting

three at Leicester last week,

Crystal Palace have won here in

south Wales. Tammy Abraham... An

excellent block from Spurr only. A

little knock down. -- Speroni.

Plenty of time. As it to mount a

fightback. They have not offered too

much today. If it stays like this

Swansea will be bottom at Christmas.

It almost banned in as an own goal

of Schlupp. That passing movement by

Swansea a reminder of what they are

about. Asking a few questions.

Forward by Andy Carroll. Still might

have a shot. What a shock that is!

Jordan Ayew, cancels out that

penalty by Palace. How about this

before it work from Ayew. Stepping

away from the challenge and firing

it in past Speroni. The first goal

for Swansea under Leon Brittan. 1-1.

Suddenly there is a completely

different mood around the Liberty

Stadium. Where there was pessimism,

Mallory is at least a bit of

optimism. Here is Ayew.

Still Jordan Ayew. Can he repeat it?

Almost. Jordan Ayew has got the

taste for goal this afternoon. A

whisker wide.

I think we showed

great character. It showed the

players were giving everything out

there, for myself and Fulham

Football Club. I'm very proud of the

efforts they put in today. Obviously

being 1-0 down, it could easily have

gone under, but showed great

character, great spirit and towards

the end of one team was pushing for

a goal it was us, to get the winner.

We are building our Castle brick by

brick, we are trying to get out of

the relegation zone, which we just

managed to do in recent weeks. We

are keeping an unbeaten run going

and playing a dangerous Swansea.

They needed the point is every bit

as much as we did, so I think we

need to be modest and satisfied with

the point today and not speak too

much about the two that might have

got away.

How long do you think you

might be in this caretaker role?

I

haven't had any word, so we'll carry

on as a group in training and

preparation for Liverpool until I'm

told in a different, we'll carry on

as normal.

Not a bad point for both

sides given the circumstances,

Palace keep an unbeaten run going

and Swansea stop the rot. An element

of doubt about the penalty?

I think

it was similar to the Dele Alli

incident we saw earlier on in the

Tottenham game. He sticks his leg

out and so, yeah, I think it's a

penalty, yeah. He exaggerates, I

don't think there's a doubt about

that, but just a penalty, no De from

Crystal Palace with the penalties

this time, sticks it in. -- no

crisis from Crystal Palace. A good

point.

Next to the Amex Stadium

and Brighton against Watford,

two teams whose good starts

to the season had

stuttered recently.

Commentary from Jonathan Pearce.

It's a lovely Christmas story, a

Premier League debut for Ryton nine

months after life-saving heart

surgery, -- Brighton. It's three

months since they last won here.

Andre Gray, a former Shrewsbury

team-mate replaces Troy Deeney, who

is banned, Azhar do Corey and

Zeegelaar. Six others are injured.

Cleverley and Pereira are also back.

It's a game of significance are both

these sides. The relegation rat

race. That's a lovely ball up

towards Gross, Holebas saw the

danger. The centre halves... Dawson,

good save. Very big chance this, for

Brighton. Did he have to make the

save? Yes, he did. Brighton have

failed to score in five of their

last six games. Dunk, confidently

done, very well done. McCartney is

to make the most of these

opportunities. -- Knockaert needs to

make the most of these

opportunities. Not enough to beat

Heurelho Gomes. This is a major

concern for Brighton. They've failed

to beat the likes of Everton,

Southampton, Stoke, Crystal Palace.

Here. When all those sides were in

struggling periods. Richarlison, the

goalkeeper had to make a save.

That's the closest Watford have

come. Had the man over, Heurelho

Gomes it back to Richarlison. --

Heurelho Gomes gets it back to

Richarlison. The visitors could be

sucked into the relegation battle.

Now Stephens, quickly away. Releases

Gross. Can he get the shot away?

It's in! At last, it pays off,

Pascal Gross scores. Could the

goalkeeper have done better there?

They move the ball, with swiftness,

decisiveness, the shot had Sting.

How crucial will that gold proof? No

one in the middle. There were five

red shirts in that penalty area, and

one with blue and white stripes on

it. Didn't get there aren't Dunk's

header wide, a really big chance for

Brighton to make it two and the game

safe. The goalkeeper was nowhere

near it. It's a massive opportunity.

Propper did well, had a good game.

Gross, lovely ball. The cross comes

in two M:Ed., it's wide and how many

opportunities are they going to

squander? -- the cross comes into

Hemed. Hammered with the turn.

Doesn't hit the target. Watford

putting the pressure on, with ten

minutes to go. Holebas tries to get

his way through. Gross looked tired.

Dunk needs to win it, he didn't. An

opportunity for going level and the

header goes wide. A massive

opportunity. Both teams have missed

them today. Hemed has worked

tirelessly today. So too has

Propper. Watford are backing away.

It hits Brobbell and the side

netting.

Janmaat, Richarlison. Dangerous

cross. The keeper has dropped it.

But, over and wide. What about that

for a late chance. The last chance

of the game is missed. It's a huge

opportunity. An early present for

Brighton and a big one. The Grinch

awaits Watford. Brighton one,

Watford nil.

I felt it was a game we

were the better side. I thought we

had the better chances and I felt

that the scoreline perhaps flattered

them a little bit. Always a threat,

Watford, with the physical strength

they have got and particularly

defensive strength they've got, but

I thought we defended well and we

needed to take a few more of those

chances.

Are you worried at the

moment because there were -- results

aren't going for you?

The season is

like this, sometimes you are in very

good form and we take good results,

this moment is the opposite. We're

not taking the best results, or bad

results for us. We need to react in

the team and I hope we can put the

other players available as soon as

possible, because we need it

already.

The first win in eight for

Brighton alleviates the pressure to

a degree. Connor Goldson made his

Premier League debut in that game

nine months after having heart

surgery and played really well.

It

is a great story, but it's a good

story, because he played so well and

showed what a good player he is. His

positional play was really good. He

looks nice and sharp and quick and

hungry, and to start your game in a

Premier League at any age, because

they bought him from Shrewsbury a

while ago but he's obviously had

some problems, to play with this

confidence and sprays are all about

as he did is credit to him. I know

the other players were delighted for

him to play so well today and nearly

got on the scoresheet. Brighton

played well, they made more chances

than I've seen them make in a good

few weeks and just about deserved

victory. With that type of ability

from the back he's going to be

pushing Shane Duffy, who was

suspended today, which is why he was

brought in to partner Lewis Dunk.

But Brighton overall were worthy

winners and played with confidence

that I haven't seen for a little

while. He was part of that, being

able to bring the ball out from the

back and pick out passes. Well done

to him, a really good performer.

Excellent. Two more matches for you.

In a moment we'll see Everton

against Chelsea at Goodison Park,

but first the meeting

of Southampton and Huddersfield.

At St Mary's Stadium, Tony Husband.

Defender Matt Targett starts his

first game for Southampton since

May, one of five changes made by

under pressure boss Pellegrino on a

day where sought-after Virgil van

Dijk has been left out of the squad

altogether. Leading scorer Charlie

Austin returns after starting on the

bench in the defeat at Chelsea.

Huddersfield midfielder Tom Ince is

yet to score this season, despite

having the most shots in the league.

He starts today as Town boss David

Wagner makes three unforced changes

following their win at Watford.

Danny Williams returns, Scott Malone

filled in at the back.

Plenty of players are in there. Off

the crossbar, a great header. The

follow-up turned towards goal and

deflected behind and Schindler draws

in fact an excellent save from

Forster, just to bring it on the

crossbar. Targett, good cross. Still

they come, Southampton. Redmond this

time, turned behind again for

another corner. They are turning it

up a little. Targett's Balling,

that's a good one. Lossl taking no

chances. Southampton corner. Wesley

Hoedt was there and it's Charlie

Austin, Southampton have scored.

Back in the team, back in the goals,

Southampton into the lead. The first

header comes in from Wesley Hoedt,

just lurking, the predator almost on

the line, Austin, and do not

Southampton into a first-half lead

and stop -- and he nods Southampton

into a first-half lead. Jack

Stephens is going to keep going and

Charlie Austin onside. Lossl has now

gone down. Austin appeared to

possibly just stick a boot out. I

don't think Charlie Austin feels he

did anything wrong at all. He's

chasing a pass. Let's have a look

here. Austin has caught him there

and Lossl comfortably has possession

of the ball and that is the damage.

Charlie Austin may be fortunate, at

least so far. Lossl taking his time,

the block from Tadic. Austin will

pick this up. He's going to go for

the lob and Lossl can deal with it.

Nearly a moment of embarrassment for

Huddersfield goalkeeper. Lossl

spares his own brushes. Here come

Huddersfield again, with Aaron Mooy.

Kwan with a runaround the outside,

the youngster gets his cross into

the box -- Quaner. Another break is

on at the end of the field, Redmond

running at them. Austin available.

Redmond has gone past Jorgensen. He

sets up Austin. Is it 2-0? He's put

it wide, would you believe it. Set

up for Charlie Austin, surely this

would be his second goal of the

game. Redmond size past Jorgensen

and it's on a play for Charlie

Austin and he just seemed to drag it

wide.

Smith, looking for Depoitre,

completely unmarked and he's

equalised for Huddersfield.

Depoitre, the Belgian, with his

fifth goal of the season and the

header a gift for Depoitre. He plans

it past Fraser Forster and in an

instant Huddersfield are right back

in the game. They are the ones

singing. 472 mile round trip for

these Huddersfield fans. Not feeling

any cold. A slip from Lossl with the

goalkeeper and its Austin coming

straight back at him and drawing the

save and no chances taken by Malone.

Austin appears to be injured in the

process of firing in that shot at

the Huddersfield stopper. Hamstring,

I think. He gets a standing ovation

from the home fans, but that's not

the view of Charlie Austin that they

either wanted to see, or that they

need.

Wesley Hoedt, clattered into by

Smith, protestations of innocence

from the substitute but he's gone

through the back of Boufal.

Yoshida, hits the post and away. So

close for Southampton. A great

header off the post. This could

easily come back. It bounces away.

Everything was really tight in the

game. The opportunity for both

teams, Dick Lilly for us. We were

close to scoring a second one. --

particularly for us. It is really

painful. Sign up and if we're able

to have a clean sheet in the second

half it is everything in our favour

and we can change the game. That is

what we have done.

You have seen the

incident involving Charlie Austin in

the first half. What did you make of

it?

You have to not touch him. It

looked very nasty. This is something

that usually should not happen. Why

travel with Wayne Rooney absent

through illness or even greater

responsibility on the youthful

shoulders of Calvert-Lewin. --

With

Wayne Rooney absent. It is proving a

special season for a young man who

got the winning goal in the under 20

World Cup in the summer. There is

one change to last weekend's league

line-up as Rudiger is preferred to

Gary Cahill. Plenty of space outside

for Alonso to pick the right ball.

Headed clear by Martina, back in

again. Hit by Alonso. Off the line.

Twice to deny Chelsea the opening

goal. Bakayoko coming close.

Jagielka took up a position behind

his goalkeeper. Just as well for

Everton that he did. Chelsea have

been almost in total control of the

opening minutes. Bakayoko stabbing

it towards the goal. Off the line by

Jagielka. When Willie and gaming of

the rebound Jagielka was there for a

second time. -- when Willian came

in. Duncan Ferguson and Sammy Lee

were part of some Allardyce's

coaching squad. Craig Shakespeare

normally takes place up in the stand

he will be observing another Chelsea

saute. Pickford with a dramatic

save. Chelsea are finding Everton

very much to their liking but they

cannot put in the opening goal. On

towards Calvert-Lewin. Christiansen

in front of him. Calvert-Lewin takes

it from him. Nyom says the referee.

Still Calvert-Lewin. In the end he

could not quite get the shot away.

-- play on says the referee. A

double change made by some Allardyce

in an attempt to change the momentum

of the match. Just beyond hazard.

Good stop by Pickford. Alonso is on

target and away by Willian. His

first contribution is to clear with

Pickford having made the early stage

for the Pedro thought he had scored.

The good stop by Pickford. It was

Williams who came to the rescue.

Fabregas, contest.

Another good stop by Pickford.

Hat-trick of really good saves by

the Everton goalkeeper. Not over yet

in this particular passage of play.

Here is Fabregas. Moses once more.

Pickford is down. Calvert-Lewin back

on the edge of his own area to dump

it into Chelsea territory. Jordan

Pickford on three occasions today

has been outstanding when you has

been called upon. Everton certainly

given a terrific example of how to

deploy a defensive mindset. Moses...

Almost an own goal by Williams. Hit

his own crossbar. How ironic it

would have been if all Everton's

excellent defensive work was undone

by their own player. Williams trying

to get in the way of the cross will

do it flicked off him and against

his own bar. That is close he cannot

believe it.

A deflection just by the post. It

could've gone anywhere. Fabregas hit

it. It takes a hit of Jagielka and

spins beyond the post of Pickford.

The header by Schneiderlin. Spins

off Rudiger. A corner to Everton.

The Everton supporters are just

wondering if they might find a way

of gaining three improbable points.

Jagielka is up, as is Williams.

Keane. It was almost written, wasn't

it? A free header. You'll be gutted

that their header goes over and not

under the crossbar. Some Allardyce

might have to settle for a point.

It

is a terrific game. A very important

defensive unit today with the

goalkeeper included. The little bit

of fortune with hitting the bar. A

well-deserved point for us. On the

other side fit, we did not use the

ball as well as we should have done.

That is what we have got to work on

now.

When you play this type of game

you have to win, you have to score.

We had a lot of possession and

created a lot of chances. We don't

score in this type of game, you drop

points.

Everton had no shots on

target but no goals conceded. They

remain unbeaten under big samples

and he has turned it around very

quickly.

Incredible. They are

sitting in ninth. Where is the

drama? Two goals in five games. Now

he has a nice platform to build upon

for the rest of the season were

getting some chances were getting

some goals and some entertainment.

For now, job done.

Superb. In the

other game, a terrific point for

Huddersfield. That's ever look at

the Charlie Austin think of that

Wagoner said he thought it was a

nasty challenge. -- let's have a

look. It was odd.

He just tried to

flick the ball. Stupid. The keeper

has it in his hands. He tried to

flick at it and it was dangerous and

stupid. I'm sure the FA will look at

that. He went off injured anyway. He

apologised straightaway. He just had

a the ball. The goalkeeper has it in

his hands full appears yard away

from him.

I don't know what they

would kick someone in the head.

Not

that I can think of.

Move on. Did

you never do that? Oh, yes, you did

indeed.

We're out of time. You are saved by

the Bell.

Thank you very much indeed.

Manchester City lead the top-flight

table at Christmas for the fourth

time in their history.

Harry Kane's hat-trick

means Tottenham leapfrog

Arsenal into fifth place.

A seventh home defeat of the season

means Swansea remain bottom,

a point behind West Brom,

who are now winless in 18 matches.

Let's see what the Sunday papers

have to say. Sergio Aguero is free

to leave Manchester City gone to the

Mail on Sunday. Gareth Southgate

preparing England players on how to

deal with abuse from fans at the

World Cup. The express claims Spurs

mate January bid for Ross Barkley

and Luke Shaw.

That's it for us on the day that

Harry Kane equalled Alan Shearer's

record of most Premier League goals

scored in a calendar year.

He's got one game left to beat it.

Here's hoping.

Merry Christmas to you all.